Peapack Gladstone

 

It is only 35 miles from Newark and 45 miles from New York City, but the Somerset County borough of Peapack-Gladstone is home to some of the most beautiful countryside in the United States. Whether you are looking for a tight-knit community with lovely green spaces and excellent schools for your young family or just a little peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you will find it here.

 

Rolling hills, woods, streams, and farmland are the norm in Peapack-Gladstone, but do not worry about growing bored. If the scenery is not enough, the borough is an ideal place for anyone who enjoys horses and an equestrian lifestyle. The United States Equestrian Stables are even located in the area, as are the Essex Hunt club and Fox Hounds. You will also find top golf courses, inviting parks, award-winning restaurants, unique shopping, and even some business opportunities in the area.

 

Peapack-Gladstone dates back to 1912 when two villages, Peapack and Gladstone, decided to join together and incorporate. Gladstone was named for the British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, while Peapack is believe to be derived from term "Peapackton." The Native American term referred to the area where the Peapack Brook meets the Raritan River. Initially, a lime kiln served as the center of community. While it still stands today, it stopped operating in 1950. The area is also known for being the home of the Peapack-Gladstone Bank, which dates back to 1921. Though the community has seen some growth, much of it remains as pristine and peaceful as it did over a century ago at the time it was incorporated.

 

If you love sporting and the great outdoors, you will love the attractions in and around Peapack-Gladstone. Golf, hunting, horseback riding, farms, and walking trails are plentiful. Of course, if you prefer to take in the scenery from the comfort of a local shop or restaurant, you can do that, too. From Italian cuisine to upscale farm-fresh food, there are many dining options in and around the community.

 

Peapack-Gladstone is home to over 247 acres of the the 404-acre Natirar Park. The park was once one of the largest estates in the area, and it belonged to the King of Morocco. Today, it is a beautiful scenic area for walking, jogging, biking, and horseback riding. If you are looking for fun for the entire family, head about 12 miles south to the Branchburg Sports Complex. It features over 78, 000 square feet of indoor turf fields, batting cages, an arcade and redemption center, laser tag, and more. It is also home to several sports leagues and features camps and other programs. Located just a few minutes north of the borough, in Chester, is the family-friendly Alstede Farms. Not only can you buy fresh local goods and produce, but you can bring the kids along to try out the sunflower maze, ride ponies, visit the petting zoo, ride a wagon train, and so much more.

 

While you will find some new construction in Peapack-Gladstone, many of the homes in the area are older and rich with history and character. Over a quarter of the homes in the area were built before 1940, and many were built between 1960 and 2000. The homes tend to start around $500,000 and range up to the multi-millions in the affluent community, including many multi-million dollar country estates. No matter where you choose to live here, count on beautiful scenery and large lots with ponds, streams, trees, and elegant landscaping.